Butchart and Twell to lead GB at European Cross Country Champs

Andrew Butchart headlines the men's senior team after his sixth place finish in the 5,000m at Rio 2016, while Steph Twell is the most successful British runner taking to the startline in the women's event.

Six British athletes will line up in each of the men's and women's senior, U23 and junior races, with GB having topped the medal table at the event for the last 13 years.

Racing alongside Butchart will be marathon runner Callum Hawkins, as well as 2013 European cross country bronze medallist Andy Vernon.

And 2014 team champion Twell will be joined by the individual champion from the same year Gemma Steel, after she won the domestic qualifier for the fourth time in a row.

Team leader Spencer Duval will be in charge of the team in Chia, on Sunday, December 11, and is aiming to stretch GB's winning run.

"Last year's championships in Hyères were a success once again with our team topping the medal table for the 13th consecutive year, and we are hopeful that those selected for Chia can continue the strong record we have at the European Cross Country championships," he said.

"We have seen what several of those selected for the team are capable of, and we are confident that the team has the potential to win medals across the age groups." Sportsbeat 2016